Welshpool Town Council has denied claims of ‘favouritism’ ahead of an election on Tuesday for the vacant seat on the Llanerchyddol Ward.
The statement emerged after a decision was made to cut costs by not issuing polling cards with three independent candidates putting themselves in the running for the seat.
The council said this move had drawn criticism from certain quarters that it was done to favour one of those standing, but this morning they have made the position clear with the following statement:
“The decision not to issue poll cards for this election was made by Welshpool Town Council on June 23, in order to avoid the cost of approximately £1,400.
“Instead, the Town Council has implemented a range of alternative awareness measures, including:
“Residents with postal votes will have already received their ballot papers, and the Council understands that candidates have also been distributing their own leaflets, which also helps with awareness of the election.
“Any suggestion that the Council’s decision not to issue poll cards was taken to favour particular candidates is incorrect - the Council is required by law to ensure full impartiality at elections.
“More information about the election, including how to vote, can be found at: www.welshpooltowncouncil.gov.uk/elections”
Three candidates are standing for the vacant seat: